TRIUMPH IS GROWING

DUCATI DELIVERS… AGAIN!

After reporting its best Q1 sales figures in company history, Ducati followed that up with even more growth in Q2. The Bologna-based manufacturer delivered a record of 34,976 motorcycles over the course of the first half of the year, achieving 5% growth globally. Business was even better in the U.S. reports Francesco Mislicia, Ducati VP Global Sales & Aftersales, “The top three markets for Ducati have grown compared to last year: Italy +10% (6,639 units), United States +11% (4,505 bikes delivered) and Germany +13% (4,2170).”

The Multistrada V4 is the top-seller of the Ducati range with 6,382 motorcycles delivered so far in 2023. “These positive results tell us that Ducatisti are appreciating our product range, which today is wider than ever,” adds Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali. “Ducati is able to satisfy different types of motorcyclists: from the track lover who lives for the adrenaline of speed on a circuit to the off-road passionate who likes to explore new paths on the wildest roads — and everyone in between!”

“Racing keeps providing intense emotions to all Ducatisti The results that our teams are achieving both in MotoGP and WorldSBK are exceptional and generate rising interest for our beloved brand, also contributing to its reputation,” claims Claudio.

“Ducati keeps growing: this is what the delivery numbers at the end of the first semester of 2023 tell us. Thanks to all the loyal and new Ducatisti that gave us their preference and to all the Ducati family members that made this possible: employees, unions, Dealers and suppliers.”

DEALER NEWS: MALCOLM SMITH CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF YZ

One of the newer dealers leading the charge for Ducati, Malcolm Smith Motorsports is also one of the oldest Yamaha dealerships in the country. “Yamaha has been at Malcolm Smith Motorsports from our very earliest days,” says GM Alexander Smith. “Both companies share similar values of product quality, innovation and customer service — our mutual success is a testament to this shared vision.”

Commemorating the legendary dealership’s 50th anniversary with Yamaha, he notes Malcolm Smith has been selling Yamaha motorcycles since the very first YZ250 hit showroom floors in 1973. “We are as proud today as we were 50 years ago to sell Yamahas,” adds Alexander.

“This milestone is not only proof of the enduring partnership between our brands, but also the trust and loyalty of our valued customers. We are grateful for their support over the years… we wouldn’t be here without them!” legendary model,” said Kerry Graeber, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing for Suzuki.

The long history of Malcolm Smith Motorsports is on display at the dealership’s in-house Malcolm Museum, currently highlighted by a 1973 YZ250 next to a 2023 YZ250. The museum has 30-40 vintage motorcycles, plus a plethora of the On Any Sunday star’s personal memorabilia on display at any given time… Not to mention Alexander’s own Dakar Rally bike!

According to Suzuki lore, when the Hayabusa was introduced in 1999 it was so advanced that it created a whole new performance category: Ultimate Sport. “Almost immediately the Hayabusa GSX1300R was recognized as the world’s fastest production motorcycle. Hayabusa’s outstanding performance and nimble handling have kept it in the category’s number one position to this day!”

“This beautiful anniversary version, drawing its inspiration from one of the Hayabusa’s most memorable color combinations — yet updated for modern tastes — will appeal to the next generation of Hayabusa fans,” Graeber states. “We encourage anybody that wants one to see their dealer immediately to ensure they’re on the reservation list.”

With an MSRP of $19,599 the 25th Anniversary Edition Hayabusa is set to land in Suzuki dealerships in September.

Suzuki Commemorates 25

Hard to believe the legendary Hayabusa has been flying through Suzuki dealerships for 25 years! To commemorate the occasion, Suzuki opened pre-orders for the 25th Anniversary Edition Hayabusa at dealership’s nationwide this month. “The Gen 3 Hayabusa has been a tremendous sales success for our dealers and extremely well received by fans of this

Continued on page 14

HERO HARLEY HERE? History Made… In India

Coinciding with the July 4th 120th Homecoming festivities, Hero hosted the roll-out of Harley’s X440 in India. “History is going to be made at Hero,” is how Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp kicked off the presentation at Hero Center for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur. “In the life of any organization, there are milestone moments… moments when dreams help for decades and across generations come to fruition. This is one such moment for Hero.”

Dr. Munjal and Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President & CEO, HarleyDavidson, claim collaboration between the world’s most iconic motorcycle brand, Harley-Davidson and the world’s largest two wheeler mobility company, Hero MotoCorp is a global game changer. “Hero MotoCorp has taken a significant step forward in its ‘premiumization’ journey with the iconic American motorcycle with the launch of their first co-developed premium product – the Harley-Davidson X440.”

THE LINE ON LAS VEGAS AIMExpo Betting On a Sure Thing

INDUSTRYLEADERS|THEMOSTENGAGED

NEWPRODUCTS|EDUCATIONANDNETWORKING NEEDEDTOGROWYOURBUSINESS

Speaking of Suzuki, they will be joined by a full house of fellow OEMs at AIMExpo 2024. “We have outpaced all previous years’ exhibitor commitments,” says Motorcycle Industry Council VP of market expansion Cinnamon Kernes. “We also have special plans to honor our 10-Year Partners, like Suzuki whose steadfast support created the backbone of our annual event.”

DEDICATEDPOWERSPORTSTRADEONLY EVENTALIGNEDWITHTHEBUYINGSEASON

Registrations are now open for AIMExpo 2024, and the odds are stacked in the dealers’ favor. “The tremendous momentum from AIMExpo 2023 has given us a boost,” claims Kernes. “We now have 15 OEMs, three distributors including Tucker Powersports and Parts Unlimited, and more than150 companies committed to 2024.”

The Harley-Davidson X440 marks Hero MotoCorp and HarleyDavidson’s foray into the 440cc segment for the first time in India. See the new Hero Harley here: www.harley-davidsonx440.com